Interview in CJ June 15, lost I797 approval! help!

[schroedermn]

After two years of paperwork we are finally bringing my stepdaugher here via an I-130 petition. We are scheduled for our interview in Ciudad Juarez June 15th at 8:00AM. We have our interview letter in hand.

Problem is that the letter included instructions on what documents are required at the interview. THe one item I can't find (tore house apart looking) is the I-797 approval notice. I can log onto the "ins" web site and see our case status is Approved. I have all other documents and we've already told my step daughter to pack for a trip to the US to live..... What a bummer...

I did call the 800 number and was told to file an I-824 "action on approve case" to request a copy of the I-797 approval. This takes 6 months or more? ANyone have experience with getting a copy of a lost I-797?

SO, my question is of anyone that has legal expertise OR someone who's recently gone for an interview in CJ..... Do they really need the I-797 even though the National Visa Center sent approval to CJ anyways? Seems the consulate could take the NVC contact + online check of the INS case status as proof of approval??

I should not have lost the piece of paper but we moved, before we moved it was on the refridgerator, now I have every document except for what might be the most important? Someone tell me that this doc is not required for the interview??? please.... OR am I about to start writing my congressmen begging for help?

THanks from Lakeville, MN
-Ron Lampat